Namport commits N$900 000 to Erongo expo

The Namibian Ports Authority (Namport) has committed N$900 000 over three years to the Erongo Business and Tourism Expo, becoming the event’s main and naming sponsor for the 2026, 2027 and 2028 editions.The announcement was made by Richard Ibwima, executive: port operations, who read a speech on behalf of Namport chief executive officer Andrew Kanime during the official opening of the 18th expo at the Walvis Bay Civic Centre last Wednesday.The event, held under the theme 'Fuelling Namibia’s Future through Innovation, Energy and Sustainable Growth', attracted 175 exhibitors, including participants from outside Namibia. Under the agreement, Namport will contribute N$ 250 000 annually to the expo organiser and N$50 000 annually to the Namibian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) for national radio and television coverage.“For many years, Namport has stood alongside this expo as a participant and a supporter, and we have watched it grow into the largest business and tourism exposition in the Erongo region,” Ibwima read. “Today, we take that relationship to a new level.”Partnership to boost tradeIbwima said the partnership was intended to connect Namibian businesses with regional and international markets, supporting local producers, entrepreneurs and service providers.“A port does not create wealth on its own. Ships do not call because a quay exists; they call because there is cargo to carry,” he said.He added that the cargo handled through the ports depended on the performance of the wider economy.“Our success as a port is therefore inseparable from the success of the economy behind it. When Namibian enterprise grows, Namport grows. When it stalls, no amount of infrastructure will fill our berths.”The agreement brings together Namport, the expo organiser and NBC, with each institution contributing to the event’s reach and economic objectives.Ibwima said the partnership would extend the expo’s impact beyond the four-day event through national broadcasting and opportunities for businesses to establish new commercial relationships.“Its true return will not be counted in logos or airtime, but in livelihoods,” he said.Erongo governor Dr Nathalia Goagoses, speaking on behalf of international relations and trade minister Selma Ashipala-Musawi, welcomed Namport as the new naming partner and described the agreement as timely.“While this space serves as a strategic gateway connecting Namibia to regional and international markets, with our port and logistics infrastructure playing a vital role in facilitating trade and economic development, Namport’s involvement presents an important opportunity to strengthen the connection between the expo and the wider economic opportunities associated with logistics, transport, tourism, investment and the global economy,” she said.Goagoses said the expo had developed into an important annual platform.“Eighteen editions represent far more than the passage of time. They reflect vision, commitment, resilience and the collective efforts of everyone who has contributed to the growth and success of this initiative,” she said.Walvis Bay mayor Johannes Shimbilinga said the expo provided a platform for businesses, entrepreneurs, policymakers and community members to exchange ideas and develop partnerships.“Here, we gather businesses, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and community members who share a collective vision: to embrace innovation and harness it for the betterment of our community,” he said.

Namport commits N$900 000 to Erongo expo

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Namibian Sun 2026-11-02

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Namport commits N$900 000 to Erongo expo

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Namibian Sun 2026-11-02

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